The Evolution Of Mercy In The Merchant Of Venice.

Mercy is an important concept in law, and in human life in general. In the play "The Merchant of Venice" (c. 1596) the concept evolves. First from the selfish view of Shylock in this first quote, and finally to its conclusion at the end the play. Here are the quotes on mercy from the play that show this slow evolution:


“Tell not me of mercy.
This is the fool that lent out money gratis.
Gaoler, look to him.”

-Act III, Scene 3.


“I am sorry for thee, thou art come to answer
A stony adversary, an inhuman wretch,
Uncapable of pity, void and empty
From any dram of mercy.”

-Act IV, Scene 1.


“How shalt thou hope for mercy, rend’ring none?”

-Act IV, Scene 1.


“The quality of mercy is not strain’d,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest,
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.
’Tis mightiest in the mightiest.”

-Act IV, Scene 1.


“And the offender’s life lies in the mercy
Of the Duke only, ’gainst all other voice...
Thou hast contrived against the very life
Of the defendant; and thou hast incurr’d
The danger formerly by me rehears’d.
Down, therefore, and beg mercy of the Duke.”

-Act IV, Scene 1.